You
can often figure out what a word means by the way it’s used
in the passage. Use the context to help you decide what each
highlighted word means.

1. Christmas
has become a holiday that is associated more and
more with the giving and receiving of gifts. Stores are brightly
decorated and shoppers rush around in search of bargains.

a. made into a club
b. ignored
c. connected
d. hidden

2. There are some devout Christians who believe
that not enough thought is given to the religious meaning of the
holiday. They would like more attention to be paid to Jesus and less to
Santa.

a. elderly
b. brave
c. very religious
d. famous

3. Others disagree. They say that unselfishly bestowing
presents is a wonderful thing to do. They believe that even people who
are not religious can find Christmas to be a very meaningful holiday.

a. hiding
b. receiving
c. borrowing
d. giving

4. Christians are not the only people who have an important holiday at
this time of year. The Fast of Ramadan lasts for a whole month, and in
1998 it will begin in late December. It is a time when devout Muslims
spend even more time than usual in prayer and reflecting
on their beliefs. During daylight hours, they are careful not to eat or
drink anything.

a. using a mirror
b. bouncing light
c. thinking
d. changing

5. Members of the Jewish faith will be celebrating Chanukah. Some
people erroneously call Chanukah the Jewish
Christmas. The mistake may arise from the fact that the holiday is
associated with lights and gifts, and usually occurs at about the same
time of year.